Passive energy optimization of traditional rural buildings in central Italy

In the last fifty years in the transition from a traditional rural society to the modern industrial one, the italian rural landscape has deeply transformed. Changes in production techniques, in the agricultural and economic policies were reflected on the state of occupation and use of existing rural buildings, those which couldn't meet the changing needs of productivity, quality of life and work have gone through a process of alteration, underuse, abandonment and demolition. Abandonment of traditional rural housing and the consequent creation of new and modern buildings can be associated with the onset of problems such as loss of local identity, land consumption and the impairment of the rural landscape. European and national trends favor the building refurbishment process encouraging energy efficiency but a proper refurbishment can not be separated from the identification and recognition of the principles and construction techniques specifics of the building examined. Materials, orientation, lighting and natural ventilation are reference elements in the building passive energy design and distinctive features of rural traditional architecture, on these aspects this work focus in order to analyze and improve the energy performance of rural traditional buildings of central Italy. The methodology involves the use of energy dynamic simulations coupled with optimization techniques aimed to identify the best combinations of architectural and technological intervention. Proper use of passive solutions can effectively improve indoor comfort conditions reducing primary energy consumption.